In a recent meeting of senior campus administrators, one of the vice presidents commented, "I have set aside $300,000 for retention initiatives to be implemented over the next two years. My question is, on which programs should I spend these dollars?" These kinds of conversations take place on the campuses of colleges and universities each year. Since the mid-1970s, perhaps no other topic in the published literature has garnered the attention of higher education researchers and administrators more than student persistence. Indeed, the field of higher education now sports a journal that is devoted to the topic of student retention. This article describes our attempt to conduct a systematic review and critique of the research that has been done on campus-based retention initiatives.It is important for us to define clearly the boundaries of our efforts. Hundreds of studies have tested assumptions of theories of student departure.

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For nearly 100 years, American leadership, regardless of political affiliation, has recognized the vital importance of people-to-people international exchange programs in bolstering our nation’s economy, strengthening our national security, and improving America’s status in the world. In today’s interconnected world, where global challenges require global cooperation on solutions, the United States should not retreat from international engagement, but should rather double our efforts to build positive and mutually supportive connections with our neighbors. America must embrace its role in leading international peace and prosperity by facilitating meaningful, safe, educational exchange in all directions – helping more Americans learn firsthand about other people and cultures and helping more foreign students come to America to experience for themselves the principles upon which our country was built - liberty, democracy, capitalism, and basic human freedom. America can and should leverage international education, exchange and public diplomacy programs to plant seeds of peace, regain the world’s trust, and return to our previous role as a respected leader in global affairs. Leading the effort to bring the world together helps America, Americans, and our vital allies.

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